As in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology continues to advance, gender selection has become one of the most common questions couples ask during fertility consultations.
Can you choose to have only boys — or only girls? In this article, we'll break down the legal and clinical perspectives on gender selection in IVF, and answer six frequently asked questions about the process.
Is Gender Selection Allowed for IVF? Here's What the Assisted Reproduction Act Says.
Can IVF be used to select a baby's gender? According to Article 16 of the Assisted Reproduction Act, gender selection is not permitted during assisted reproduction procedures. However, an exception applies if either partner carries a gender-related genetic condition, such as hemophilia or red-green color blindness.
To help ensure embryo health before transfer, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) is commonly used to check whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes and to detect any significant chromosomal deletions — helping to rule out abnormal genes and reduce the risk of inherited conditions.
In other words, PGT-A may only be used to screen for a specific gender when one or both parents carry a gender-related genetic condition, with the goal of ensuring a healthy birth. Outside of this circumstance, using PGT-A for gender selection is not permitted.
Q: Does retrieving more eggs mean a higher success rate?
When it comes to IVF, egg quality matters more than quantity. Retrieving more eggs does not necessarily lead to a higher success rate — and increasing medication doses in pursuit of higher egg counts may actually raise the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
It's important to work with your doctor to find the treatment approach that's right for you. Rather than comparing your experience to others', focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet to support egg quality — this is one of the most effective ways to improve your chances of IVF success.
Q: Is IVF guaranteed to work? What are the success rates?
IVF success depends on a wide range of factors, including age, sperm quality, egg quality, and the uterine environment — all of which can influence embryo implantation.
The average success rate for assisted reproduction is around 20–30%, while TFC Taipei Fertility Center achieves a success rate of approximately 63–70%.
Q: Which is better, fresh embryo or frozen embryo transfer?
Fresh embryo transfer refers to implanting the embryo into the uterus about 2 to 6 days after egg retrieval during the same treatment cycle. Frozen embryo transfer, on the other hand, involves freezing the embryos after egg retrieval and implanting them in a subsequent cycle or when the patient is in optimal condition.
Regardless of which transfer method is chosen, proper preparation of the uterine cavity, endometrium, and hormonal environment to maintain the body in an optimal state for implantation is key to improving pregnancy success rates.
There is no absolute or direct correlation between pregnancy rates and which type of embryo — fresh or frozen — is used. Simply follow your doctor's recommendation and choose the method most suitable for your individual situation.
Q: How many embryos should be transferred in one treatment cycle?
Although transferring more embryos may slightly increase the chances of pregnancy, it also raises the risk of multiple pregnancies — which carry higher risks of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and hypertension.
The current international trend encourages reducing the number of embryos transferred, with a general recommendation of no more than two embryos per transfer. In Taiwan, the Taiwan Society for Reproductive Medicine promotes single embryo transfer and raises awareness of the health risks associated with multiple pregnancies on its official website. Additionally, the Health Promotion Administration advises couples undergoing IVF to opt for single embryo transfer to minimize health risks for both mother and baby.
Q: What should I pay attention to after embryo transfer?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet — including more vegetables and fiber-rich foods to support digestion and metabolism. Limit your intake of refined carbohydrates, grilled foods, fried foods, and other heavily processed or irritating foods.
Keeping a basic level of physical activity is also important. Avoid prolonged bed rest or sitting for long periods. Low-intensity exercises like walking can improve blood circulation and help keep your body in a healthy, stable state — boosting your chances of successful embryo implantation.
Q: Is financial assistance available for IVF treatments?
Yes! Couples are eligible for IVF subsidies if one spouse holds Taiwanese citizenship and the wife is under 45 years old. The couple must also have had regular unprotected intercourse for more than one year without achieving pregnancy, and the wife must be diagnosed with infertility by a physician and require IVF treatment.
Eligible couples can apply for IVF subsidies at designated assisted reproduction clinics across Taiwan. For more details, please refer to our guide:
"IVF subsidy application process and the go-to guide for comprehensive cost & eligibility Information."
For the most professional and heartfelt fertility care — choose TFC Taipei Fertility Center for your IVF journey.
TFC Taipei Fertility Center is the only clinic in Taiwan to have received the SNQ National Quality Mark certification for two consecutive years. Our team of expert physicians brings over 20 years of experience, delivering world-class IVF success rates approaching 70%.
Our embryo laboratory meets international standards, featuring a high-level cleanroom environment and a 24-hour controlled positive-pressure lab. Three advanced time-lapse incubators enable our experienced embryologists to precisely monitor embryo development, manage embryo quality, and keep physicians up-to-date in real time.
Conveniently located in the city center, TFC Taipei Fertility Center offers easy access and a full range of amenities. We provide a warm and comfortable clinical environment, with thoughtful services including light snacks, post-procedure meals, blankets, and charging stations — so you can focus on what matters most: welcoming new life with confidence and peace of mind.
Read more: Breaking the Myths of IVF Sex Selection: Unveiling 4 Key Techniques